Cong dares Reddy brothers to face CBI probe

Bangalore: Continuing its attack on the Reddy
brothers, opposition Congress in Karnataka on Tuesday maintained
that they were involved in illegal mining and dared them to
face a CBI probe into the matter.
Rubbishing claims by Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy
that their company Ombulapuram Mining Corporation`s activities
were confined to Andhra Pradesh, former leader of Opposition
Congress in the Legislative Council V S Ugrappa charged that
the ministers "misused" their office, mining permits and were
engaged in illegal mining after "intimidating" officials.

Rebutting Reddy`s charge that Congress leaders were also
involved in illegal mining, he said "let it be left to CBI to
decide".

Congress MLC, K C Kondaiah has filed a complaint seeking
disqualification of Janardhna Reddy, his brother Revenue
Minister G Karunakara Reddy and Health Minister B Sreeramulu
from their legislature membership, accusing them of attracting
"office of profit" clause.
Kondiah, who hails from Bellary district (the native of
the Reddy brothers), asked "if Janardhana Reddy says he has no
mines in Karnataka then why are so many men and machinery
owned by him are operating in so many mines".

The Reddy brothers had entered into a "working formula"
with 40 mines in Bellary district and have been sharing the
resources, he further charged.

Ugrappa alleged that Yedyurappa was aware of the
"disappearance" of iron ore from Belekere port and claimed he
had evidence to prove his charge.

Under attack over alleged illegal mining, G Janardhana
Reddy yesterday said he and his brother Revenue Minister
G Karunakara Reddy would resign from the ministry if there was
a "shred" of evidence against them.

"We are 24 carat gold. Gold is gold even if you paint
it with any other colour," Reddy said rubbishing the charges.